Recently I made a trip to Rangzen in Kyoto City, the only Tibetan restaurant in all of Japan!  The name of the restaurant, Rangzen means freedom in Tibetan.  There are several ways to reach the Rangzen Tibetan Restaurant in Kawaramachi Marutamachi, Kyoto.  Buses from Kyoto Station to Kawaramachi Marutamachi take 20-minutes, however, I took the subway.  From Kyoto Station by subway take the Karasuma Line and transfer at Karasuma Oike; from there take the Tozai Line to Kyoto Shiaksho-mae (meaning near City Hall).  Once exiting the subway, take a stroll along the Kamogawa River until you reach Kawaramachi – at this point you’ll be very close to it!  As for the restaurant itself, the ambiance was very nice with several Tibetan decorations on the walls, a souvenir stand, and light Tibetan music playing in the background.  This small and quaint restaurant is run by Mrs. Morita Fujiko, also referred to as Tenzin her Tibetan name.  A strong supporter of Tibetan causes, Morita san also runs TIBET AID, Japan – a Non-Government Organization (N.G.O.) managed by the Tibetan Snowlion Friendship Society.  It was established in Kyoto in September 1987 for the purpose of providing educational opportunities for Tibetan refugee children and youths living in India, and to promote Tibetan culture in Japan.  A link to her N.G.O. can be found at the Rangzen restaurant website below.  As for the food at Rangzen it was good in my opinion, but no comparison to home cooking.  In all fairness to Rangzen my high taste expectations could never have been met – even if Morita san was the Dalai Lama’s personal cook.  🙂  Nevertheless, it was a great experience overall and I highly encourage anyone reading this blog to have a bite to eat at the Rangzen Tibetan Restaurant next time you’re in Kyoto!  Check out my Kyoto picture album for a complete look at the dishes I ordered!

Note:  Link to the Rangzen Tibetan Restaurant in Kyoto!  http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~rangzen/

Restaurant Review Grade: 🙂 🙂 🙂